🌊 First-Time Cruiser? Start Here!
Your Basic (but Actually Helpful) Guide to Cruising
Whether you're a land-lover looking to dip your toes into the cruising world or just got voluntold to join a family vacation at sea, this is the no-stress, no-fluff guide you've been looking for. If you've never set foot on a ship, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and we’re here to help.
Ships in port at Nassau, Bahamas.
Your Basic (but Actually Helpful) Guide to Cruising
Whether you're a land-lover looking to dip your toes into the cruising world or just got voluntold to join a family vacation at sea, this is the no-stress, no-fluff guide you've been looking for. If you've never set foot on a ship, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and we’re here to help.
🚢 What Even Is a Cruise?
A cruise is basically a floating hotel that takes you from port to port while feeding you around the clock and providing everything from Broadway-style shows to trivia tournaments. You unpack once, and the world comes to you. Sounds pretty good, right?
🏛️ Port Calls: What Happens When You Dock?
Most cruises stop at several ports of call (aka destination stops) along your route.
Good info about ports of call:
Excursions: These are organized activities you book through the cruise line or an outside provider—like snorkeling, city tours, ziplining, or cooking classes. They cost extra, but offer convenience and sometimes insurance coverage if you're delayed. Cruise-line sponsored excursions will always have a guarantee of waiting for your excursion if you are late getting back to the ship for any reason. Private excursion do not.
DIY Exploring: You can also get off the ship and explore on your own—walk the town, grab lunch, shop, hit the beach. Just don’t miss the all-aboard time (they won’t wait).
Tender vs. Walk Off: Some ports of call will not have a set large ship dock you can walk off. In that scenario the cruise line provides tender boats that are like water taxis that will take you to the port. Sometimes your cruise line will make you sign-up for first priority if you have excursions. I personally try an look for sailings that keep to ships that have non-tender ports. But it’s all about those destinations, so they are necessary.
📌 Pro Tip: Take a photo of the day’s port schedule or daily bulletin before heading out. Or screen shot your app daily agenda. That way you won't be wondering what is happening on the ship if the exploring gets hot and long.
📅 What’s a Sea Day?
A sea day is when the ship doesn’t stop at any port and instead sails all day. These are perfect for relaxing, using the spa, going to shows, or eating three lunches (no judgment).
🤔 Wait... Do I Need a Passport?
For most international cruises, yes.
For closed-loop cruises (starting and ending in the same U.S. port), a birth certificate and government-issued ID may be enough.
💼 Check with your cruise line and travel advisor for specifics.
🧼 The Ship Has a What Now? (Medical Center!)
Yes, every ship has a medical center with doctors and nurses onboard. They can help with:
Seasickness
Minor injuries
Flu, fever, infections, etc.
🌐 BUT: Care is out-of-pocket unless you have cruise-specific travel insurance. Which brings us to...
💼 Why You Should Absolutely Get Travel Insurance
Things can go wrong: delays, cancellations, illness, or missing the ship. Travel insurance can cover:
Trip interruptions
Emergency medical care - and transporting you home from international locations
Lost luggage
Missed connections
💡 Peace of mind is worth it.
❓ Common First-Timer Questions
Q: Will I get seasick?
A: Maybe! Most people don’t. Modern ships are huge and stable. Bring motion sickness bands, patches, or meds just in case.
Q: What do I wear?
A: Casual by day, smart casual by night. Some nights are "elegant" or themed. Check your cruise line’s dress code.
Q: Can I drink the water onboard?
A: Yes. Tap water is filtered and safe. You can also buy bottled water packages.
Q: Do I need cash?
A: Onboard, you use your cruise card or app. At ports, carry small cash (USD is accepted in many places).
Q: Is Wi-Fi included?
A: Rarely. Most cruise lines charge for internet. Disconnecting is part of the charm!
Q: Can I bring snacks or drinks?
A: Every cruise line has its own policy. Check rules about alcohol, bottled water, and packaged snacks.
Q: How do I pay for things onboard?
A: Your room key (cruise card) links to your credit card. Everything—drinks, spa, gifts—goes on your onboard account.
Q: Can I do laundry?
A: Some ships have laundry rooms or paid services. Or just pack extra underwear and call it a win.
🌟 Final Tips
Arrive at port early. Don’t miss the boat. Literally.
Download the cruise line app before sailing (though it may only work onboard).
Pack a carry-on with meds, swimsuits, and documents—you may not see your luggage for a few hours after boarding. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS keep any medications with you and NOT your checked bags.
Be nice to the crew. They work hard and most work for six months at a time away from families on daily 12 hour+ shifts. Most of them are sending money home to relatives and are the best of the best in the hotel industry.
Cruising can be fun, relaxing, and totally addictive. After your first trip, you'll either be planning your next one—or Googling how to live full-time on a ship. Either way, you're about to have a great adventure.
Bon voyage!